Ethics Theory, TLP-UPSC Mains Answer Writing
Q. 1. Conscience acts as an inner moral compass, often clashing with external authority or rules. How can public servants balance personal conscience with institutional duties? (150 words, 10 marks)
Introduction
Conscience refers to an individual’s inner sense of right and wrong. In public service, it may conflict with official orders or institutional expectations, leading to ethical dilemmas that require careful navigation.
“Two things fill the mind with ever-increasing wonder and awe… the starry heavens above me and the moral law within me.” – Immanuel Kant
Body
Conscience as a Moral Compass in Public Service
Navigating between personal morality and official obligation is one of the most difficult tasks for a public servant. The following points explain why conscience is central and how it can support ethical governance.
- Foundation of Ethical Judgment: Conscience helps officials evaluate the morality of their actions. Example: Whistleblower Ashok Khemka’s repeated transfers were driven by his refusal to approve questionable land deals.
- Prevention of Blind Obedience: It guards against unethical compliance with flawed authority. Example: Officers refusing to follow unlawful lockdown orders during COVID showed moral courage.
- Upholding Public Trust: Actions aligned with conscience often foster long-term credibility. Example: Indian Forest Officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi upheld transparency, earning public respect despite institutional pushback.
Challenges in Reconciling the Two
The clash between internal values and external demands creates a zone of ethical complexity. These tensions are more pronounced when institutions fail to encourage ethical behavior.
1. Conflict with Hierarchy: Institutional obedience may suppress personal values. Example: Honest officers face penalties for not following political directives.
2.Ambiguity in Laws or Rules: Conscience may offer clarity where rules are vague. Example: Decisions on evictions in slums often require humane judgment beyond legal strictness.
3.Fear of Repercussions: Acting on conscience can invite transfers, suspensions, or harassment. Example: RTI activists and ethical officers often face systemic retaliation.
Harmonizing Conscience with Duty
Balancing conscience and duty requires a multi-level approach—structural reform, cultural change, and individual action.
- Structural Reforms
- Ethical Frameworks: Legally mandate conscience clauses (e.g., UK’s Civil Service Code allows refusal of unlawful orders).
- Whistleblower Safeguards: Strengthen the Whistle Blowers Protection Act 2014 with witness protection to encourage honest reporting.
- Institutional Culture Shift
- Dissent Channels: Create anonymous reporting platforms (like Singapore’s PS21 initiative) for safer whistleblowing.
- Training: LBSNAA’s ethics modules should include real-time case simulations on moral dilemmas.
- Individual Strategies
- Conscientious Objection: Seek legal recourse against unethical orders (Example: SC’s ruling protecting civil servants’ right to dissent in Prakash Singh Case).
- Coalition Building: Build alliances with NGOs or media to mitigate institutional pressure (Example: Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement).
Conclusion
Public servants often walk the tightrope between duty and conscience. Enabling ethical governance requires structural safeguards, supportive culture, and courageous individuals who uphold the moral law within them.
